Judie Perkowski The Daily Jeffersonian Folks living north

Published: January 11, 2011 8:00 AM

Judie PerkowskiThe Daily JeffersonianFolks living north of the Mason-Dixon Line accept the fact that snow during the winter solstice is inevitable. And, contrary to those who complain about the cold, many look forward to frolicking in the white, fluffy stuff. Winter is very invigorating and can be a lot of fun. Sledding has been one of winter's favorite pastimes since man realized there was more to life than work.The official definition of a sled (or sledge) is a vehicle mounted on runners, used for carrying people or loads over ice and snow; a light wooden frame on runners, used for coasting over snow or ice. Traditional wooden or metal sleds are great, but other precarious perches such as plastic saucers, inflatable tubes and snowboards are just as much fun.Depending on how much money you want to spend on all this fun will determine if you fly down a hill on a sled made of polyethylene foam and painted in psychedelic colors for about $40, or an Austrian handmade, wooden sledge with precision-ground runners for about $400.There is nothing like sledding. The crisp air whipping your face while you hang on for dear life hoping you can stop without crashing into another person or inanimate object. Ahhh, the joy of childhood.As we mature, the one-person sled takes on a more sophisticated form. The luge, not for the faint of heart, is a small one or two-person sled on which one sleds supine (face up) and feet first. Steering is done by flexing the sled's runners with the calf of each leg. Exciting to watch -- especially during the winter Olympics.The kicksled, kind of a scaled down version of a "musher" sled -- without the dogs -- although it can be used for light mushing with one dog. The rider in front sits down while another person stands up behind you with one foot on a runner and one foot pushing the sled. Toboggans are simple sleds usually built for two or more riders, but they are more difficult to navigate than a regular sled. A thin rope provides rudimentary steering. The frontmost rider steers the sled with the rope while riders sit behind the "driver" and grasp the waist of the person in front of them.A toboggan differs from most sleds or sleighs because it has no runners or skis (or only low ones) on the underside. The bottom of a toboggan rides directly on the snow.Bobsleighs or bobsleds were adapted as upsized luge/skeleton sleds designed by the adventurously wealthy to carry passengers, several at a time, when weather prohibited any other mode of transportation, or sometimes just for fun.Then there is the open sleigh, one-horse or otherwise, which invokes a scenario of a romantic ride in the snow under a starry sky, reminiscent of a scene from the 1970 movie "The Song of Norway." Whatever your preferred mode of sledding, it is one way to beat the winter blahs. Go out, find some snow-covered hill, valley or open area and go for it!Since the winter solstice began officially Dec. 21, 2010, we have been subjected to cold temps, rain, a 50-degree day which plummeted into the 20s, but very little snow. Not enough snow to enjoy, but just enough to making driving hazardous.According to the Farmer's Almanac, Ohio can expect typical winter weather for the month of January with a snowstorm predicted for the middle of the month. So, here is the January 2011 forecast: From today though the 11th, fair, turning colder; 12-15, unsettled, with chilly winds; 16-19, SNOWSTORM! From the 20-23, stormy conditions exit, followed by clearing skies; 24-27, another round of snow; 28-31, generally fair.To enjoy sledding it is important to dress accordingly. This applies to adults as well as children.Make sure your clothing is comfortable and made specifically for winter. All appendages should be covered with thick socks, snow boots, gloves or mittens, and a good hat. Wearing a layer of comfortable, but thin, pants underneath snow pants is a good idea for warmth and insulation.And don't forget some form of identification. This is not necessarily a paranoid parent's addition to a sledding checklist, it is just a good idea.Chap stick is a must. You don't notice cracking lips until they are chaffed and stinging. Check out the sled. Is the sled cracked or damaged? Tighten any loose screws and check for cracks in a plastic sled. Everything should be is good, working order for a safe ride.For older children or adults, sledding is an activity that can be quite enjoyable even when alone, however the buddy system is much safer and more fun. It's a good idea to have someone watch out for other people, to help if an injury occurs, or to get help if necessary.To ensure a fun-filled day, check out the area to see if it is safe for sledding. Choose an area that is open, away from trees, streets, parking lots, or obstacles that could be hidden under snow. Younger children (under 12) should always be supervised by an adult.According to locals, Guernsey County offers some of the best sledding in southeast Ohio. Two of the best places are Salt Fork State Park Golf Course and behind the Guernsey County Health Dept., or with enough snow accumulation you can make your own course in your backyard.jperkowski@daily-jeff.com